The SEGA Saturn relies on a built-in operating system called the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). This software initializes the console hardware, displays the iconic boot animation, and manages the multiplayer audio CD dashboard.

Setting up your Saturn BIOS depends entirely on your emulator of choice. Below are configuration instructions for the most popular modern emulation platforms. RetroArch (Beetle Saturn / Kronos Cores)

The Saturn had a few games, such as "The King of Fighters '95" and "Ultraman: Hikari no Kyojin Densetsu," that required a special ROM cartridge to be inserted into the console. To play these games on an emulator, you need the data from those cartridges as well. These are additional files that go alongside your BIOS:

This guide explains what the MPR-17933.bin BIOS is, why it is considered the best choice for Saturn emulation, and how to configure it properly. What is the SEGA Saturn MPR-17933.bin BIOS?